Association between hemoglobin-to-red blood cell distribution width ratio and abdominal aortic calcification in adults aged ≥40 years: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2013–2014 database
Zehao Chen, Weichun Zhu, Lei Qiao, Xue Liu, Cheng ZhangBackground:
Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is a well-established predictor of cardiovascular risk. Accumulating evidence indicates that the hemoglobin-to-red blood cell distribution width ratio (HRR) is associated with a range of cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship between the HRR and AAC among middle-aged and older adults has yet to be explored.
Methods:
A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2014. The severity of AAC was quantified using the Kauppila scoring method, carried out through lateral dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. HRR was calculated by dividing hemoglobin concentration (g/dL) by red blood cell distribution width. Participants were stratified into tertiles according to their HRR values. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the association of HRR with AAC score and the risk of severe AAC, respectively.
Results:
A total of 3049 participants were included in this study. After adjusting for potential confounders, HRR was significantly inversely associated with AAC scores (β = −1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −2.19 to −0.37;
Conclusion:
These findings suggest an inverse association between higher HRR levels and AAC scores, highlighting its potential role in vascular calcification. HRR may serve as a promising biomarker for assessing the severity of AAC.